" Here's some advice. Stay alive. "

The Hunger Games

Set in the future, where North America has collapsed leaving behind 12 impoverished districts, one all powerful Capitol and the annual event of the 'Hunger Games', involving the selection of a boy and girl tribute from each district, who are forced to compete in a televised fight to the death until there is a sole victor. The games act as a reminder of the Capitol's control over the districts, with the districts powerless to resist. For the 74th Hunger Games, the two tributes from District 12; Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) come up against 22 other tributes all fighting to be the last one standing.

I have read the books and was intrigued to see the film knowing that book adaptations can be successful but more commonly are a disappointment, with obvious exceptions such as The Lord Of The Rings. Thankfully this adaption was a success, the movie was as true to the book as it could be, hence its lengthy time of nearly two and a half hours. Everything from the outfits, the trends of the Capitol, locations and casting choices were spot on. I hope that people who haven't read the books can still find the movie enjoyable, as it works successfully as a film, not just as an adaptation.
 
Firstly to the amazing cast consisting of Liam Hemsworth as Gale, Katniss's hunting partner and close friend, Woody Harrelson as mentor to Katniss and Peeta who has turned to alcohol to escape the memories of his previous victory as tribute. Then there's Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket, Stanley Tucci As Caesar Flickerman, who provides a fabulous performance as the interviewer of the tributes, Donald Sutherland as the ruthless President Snow and the versatile Lenny Kravitz as the righteous costume designer for District 12, who proves he can really act after his underrated performance in the movie Precious.

The central characters of Peeta and the heroine Katniss carry the movie as they struggle to trust each other and risk sharing their feelings, with the inevitable realisation that only one can survive. Both Hutcherson and in particular Lawrence provide strong performances that will ensure they become well known stars by the end of the trilogy. As Peeta and Katniss struggle together to stay alive in the arena their apparent romance and determination ignites a sense of hope amongst the districts as they challenge the Capitol's control. As the novel is written in first person its hard to reach the same depth of emotion in the movie as Tucci is left providing commentary that doesn't quite fit. I would have preferred Katniss to provide more narration throughout the movie, providing more insight into her thoughts, emotions and strategies to survive.

Director Gary Ross has provided a very faithful adaptation of Suzanne Collins much loved novel. The story of sacrifice, perseverance, love and above all loss can be enjoyed by all ages. You may be sick of the hype before you've even seen the movie but just know that The Hunger Games is worthy of the hype.